Thank you for visiting doctorsNS.com. On our site you’ll find information about Doctors Nova Scotia, the Nova Scotia health-care system, and what you can do to stay healthy.
As an Antigonish doctor who has been exposed to both family and emergency medicine, I frequently hear your frustrations with trying to access our health-care system. I’ve been practicing in my community as a full service general practitioner for the past 31 years and I know we need to change our system so you and your family can get the care you need when you need it.
Doctors are patient advocates and our association is committed to advocating for every Nova Scotian to have timely access to appropriate quality care. During my term as President, I will continue to work with government, health-care providers, hospital administrators and other health-care organizations to ensure you have timely access to care when it is required. This includes access to:
- long-term care beds
- family doctors, specialists and medical tests
- resources and services to help you and your family live acitve and healthy lives
Healthy living
As an individual who enjoys the outdoors and getting active I know how important having access to trails, sidewalks, and other infrastructure can be to help get all of us off the couch.
In addition to advocating for system improvements, Doctors Nova Scotia advocates for legislation that supports healthy living. The association has advocated for numerous legislative changes including banning the use of cell phones while driving and tanning beds.
Being healthy starts long before a visit to the doctors’ office and that’s why Doctors Nova Scotia invests in preventive programs. While doctors do everything they can to help you through illness, it’s important that you have supports in your community that can help you make healthy lifestyle choices.
One way my colleagues and I are helping to provide opportunities for you to get active is through our Youth Running for Fun program. It’s our free doctor-sponsored running program that reaches close 12,500 kids from over 200 schools.
We also created the Healthy Living Challenge, which contains basic information about healthy eating, physical activity and screen time and exercises to enhance learning. The program has been adopted by the Nova Scotia Department of Education for teachers to use to support active healthy living curriculum.
By being physically active, eating healthily, getting a flu shot, practicing sun safety and living a smoke-free life you can maintain or improve your health. It’s also important for women to get regular Pap tests.
As doctors, we are committed to your health and encourage you to take measures for a healthier life. We all have a role to play in getting and staying healthy, and it starts long before visiting the doctor’s office. I recommend you explore doctorsNS.com and take the first step in becoming a healthier you.
Sincerely,
John Chiasson, BSc, MD
President